PBS: The Black Congresswoman They DON'T Teach You About

[marmar]

Mar 26, 2026

The Inquisitor traces Barbara Jordan’s rise from Texas congresswoman to national icon, highlighting her powerful voice, integrity, and influence on U.S. politics. She confronted presidents, championed civil rights, and set a new ethical standard in American politics. From her fervent speech condemning the Watergate scandal, to her passionate battles for equal rights, Jordan compelled the nation to ask hard questions and face the answers. Her conviction helped reshape our democracy.
During the impeachment hearings of President Nixon, Jordan reminded listeners of the constitutional agreement made for the collective experiment of democracy and received praise from both political parties. It was this speech that earned her the title of ‘inquisitor.’

Beyond the public stage, she quietly faced personal struggles few ever knew. Colleagues and friends, as well as the public, learned of her illness only after her death. The film examines how Jordan navigated race, gender, power, and privacy.